Trump’s $150M Meme Coin Fundraiser Triggers Ethics Concerns and Political Backlash

Democratic lawmakers and ethics watchdogs are sounding alarms over a $150 million cryptocurrency-linked fundraiser associated with former President Donald Trump. The exclusive event, which required attendees to be among the top 220 holders of the $TRUMP meme coin, has sparked criticism for allegedly trading political access for anonymous crypto transactions.

Senator Chris Murphy (D-CT) spearheaded a press conference denouncing the arrangement, emphasizing potential national security risks and unverified foreign participation. The controversy emerges amid ongoing debates about stablecoin regulation and whether current ethics rules sufficiently address digital asset-based political fundraising.

Held at a Trump property, the private dinner highlights the increasing convergence of cryptocurrency and political influence campaigns. While meme coins like $TRUMP often originate as internet jokes, their use in high-value political fundraising demonstrates digital assets’ growing role in shaping access to power.